Thoughts from @Coinabul on future of blackmail and reputation markets #bitcoin

Could there be a world where blackmail is legal? Doubtful. However, a world where blackmail becomes a norm and nearly impossible to prosecute could become a reality. Take the recent news about Mitt Romney being exhorted by alleged Bitcoin-savvy burglars. These burglars supposedly broke into PriceWaterhouseCoopers and liberated copies of Mitt Romney’s tax returns. They are giving the Romney camp until September 28th to pay up one million dollars equivalent in Bitcoin or face publication of the tax returns. What is even more interesting is the inclusion of another option; one million dollars equivalent in Bitcoin to a different address would result in immediate publication of the tax returns. Although there is only a little over $30 at the addresses right now it will be interesting to see if any big payments occur. However, a question remains, even if the blackmailer receive...